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DFM Guide · FDA / USP VI

Medical materials.
Documented chain.
Compliant by design.

FDA and USP Class VI designations mean specific material certifications and processing requirements for medical and pharmaceutical contact. Designing for compliance from the start avoids costly material changes later.

01 · Key principles

Key principles.

Material selection

USP VI grade

PEEK-OPTIMA, USP VI silicone, FDA-compliant 316L. Specify by USP VI compliance, not just material.

Documentation chain

From mill

Material certificate from mill heat through finished part. Required for medical traceability.

No coatings or additives

Pure substrate

Avoid coatings, fillers, additives unless specifically USP VI rated. Each adds compliance burden.

Surface finish

Cleanability

Smooth surfaces (Ra 0.8 µm or better) for cleaning. Crevices harbor bacteria.

No sharp internal corners

Drainable design

Drainable, cleanable design. Sanitary 3-A standard for some applications.

Sterilization compatibility

Material-process

Specify sterilization method (gamma, EtO, autoclave). Material compatibility matters.

FAQ

USP Class VI testing details?

Systemic toxicity, intracutaneous reaction, intramuscular implantation testing per USP. Materials passing become Class VI rated.

FDA vs USP VI?

FDA 21 CFR 177 covers food contact materials. USP VI covers medical device implantation testing. Different applications.

PEEK-OPTIMA importance?

Invibio PEEK-OPTIMA is USP Class VI certified for implants. Standard for spinal cages, orthopedic. Premium over industrial PEEK.

Documentation cost?

Medical-grade documentation adds 10-20% to part cost. Includes mill certs, processing records, inspection per AS9102.

Sterilization affects material?

Yes. Gamma may degrade some plastics. Repeated autoclave fatigues materials. Specify sterilization compatibility for chosen material.

Design partner needed?

Medical device development requires regulatory expertise. We manufacture per spec; customer responsible for FDA submission, 510(k), etc.

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